The 2022 Absa Top 10 Pinotage winners with their trophies
History is filled with unlikely, forbidden, even tragic romantic matches - Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Dante and Beatrice and the most famous of them all, Romeo and Juliet. Pinotage, is similarly the child of such an unlikely and often scoffed at matches. It is a cross between Pinot Noir, the Prince of French Grape Varietals; and The Black Prince, Hermitage, more commonly known today as Cinsaut.
We follow the journey of Pinotage, a controversial and uniquely South African cultivar onto the world stage. From inception - on the backdrop of the great South African gold rush - to overcoming global scrutiny and the challenges of apartheid and finally clawing its way to becoming the toast of the wine industry in the 21st century.
A Hundred year old story about one of the youngest wine varieties in the world and we are making a movie!
But, before we divulge too much, let us celebrate our 2022 Absa Top 10 Pinotage winners.
The 2022, Absa Top 10 annual awards was held at Nooitgedacht Estate on 30 August 2022. Industry, stakeholders, and producers gathered to celebrate some of the finest Pinotage wines.
Absa Bank is a proud sponsor of the Pinotage Association and the parties have enjoyed a solid collaboration over the past 25 years. Absa remains the proud sponsor of the annual awards and is committed to the relationship with the association. “Our collaborative, longstanding relationship with Absa Bank, and their 25-year investment in the Pinotage Association is testament to the bank’s understanding that agriculture is a generational and relational business,” says chairman Beyers Truter.
“As the biggest financier of agriculture in South Africa and with over 100 years of experience, Absa is proud of our longstanding relationship with the Pinotage Association and excited to announce that we are extending our sponsorship for an additional three years,” says Faisal Mkhize, chief executive for relationship banking at Absa Group.
“Pinotage is a national asset and has truly become a symbol of excellence and growth in South African agriculture. We believe that our support for this signature South African varietal is a tangible demonstration of our African heartbeat.”
This year 130 entries were received, after the rigours judging process the following Pinotage wines where selected as the winners of the coveted Pinotage accolade.
2022 Absa Top 10 Pinotage winners
|
Wine
|
Vintage
|
WO
|
Winemaker
|
|
Beeslaar Pinotage
|
2020
|
Stellenbosch
|
Abrie Beeslaar
|
|
Beyerskloof Winemakers Reserve Pinotage
|
2018
|
Stellenbosch
|
Anri Truter
|
|
Flagstone Writer's Block Pinotage
|
2020
|
Breedekloof
|
Gerhard Swart
|
|
Kanonkop Pinotage
|
2019
|
Simonsberg-Stellenbosch
|
Abrie Beeslaar
|
|
Neil Ellis Bottelary Hills Pinotage
|
2018
|
Bottelary
|
Warren Ellis
|
|
Brink Family Vineyards Pinotage
|
2019
|
Swartland
|
Dewald Huisamen
|
|
Rijk's Reserve Pinotage
|
2016
|
Tulbagh
|
Adriaan Jacobs
|
|
Simonsig Redhill Pinotage
|
2019
|
Stellenbosch
|
Michael Malan
|
|
Vondeling Bowwood Pinotage
|
2019
|
Voor-Paardeberg
|
Matthew Copeland
|
|
Windmeul Reserve Pinotage
|
2019
|
Paarl
|
Abraham van Heerden/Michael Kotze
|
2022 Vintage class winners
|
Wine
|
Vintage
|
WO
|
Winemaker
|
|
Beyerskloof Diesel Pinotage
|
2011
|
Stellenbosch
|
Anri Truter
|
|
Hill & Dale Pinotage
|
2009
|
Stellenbosch
|
Guy Webber
|
|
Lanzerac Pinotage
|
2001
|
Stellenbosch
|
Wynand Lategan
|
|
Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Jonkershoek Pinotage
|
2012
|
Jonkershoek Valley
|
Warren Ellis
|
|
Rijk's Reserve Pinotage
|
2012
|
Tulbagh
|
Adriaan Jacobs
|
“At this year’s judging tasting, 35 wines scored 90 points and above, for the judges to select only ten must have been a difficult task. However, there is still 25-30% scope for improving the quality of Pinotage. This is possible when we create platforms to also recognize viticulturist. The Pinotage Association introduces the Absa Viticulturist Award. The inaugural awards will take place in 2023,”says Beyers Truter.
Furthermore, the Pinotage Association will be partnering with education institutes to help place students on a Pinotage Practical Programme. There are several areas of opportunity and exposure for both students and wine estates.
The association will also facilitate a practical educational experience for hospitality personnel, responsible for the sale of wines brands between the estate and the consumer.
The future of collaboration with our members, stakeholders and Absa is optimistic.
Congratulations to all winners and runners up for the 2022 Absa Top 10 Pinotage awards.
For more information, contact the Pinotage Association:
Website: www.pinotage.co.za
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PinotageWine
Twitter: @PinotageSA, #AbsaTop10Pinotage #PinotageTop10
Email: marketing@pinotage.co.za